Let's Get Cooking!

1. Prepare the Pastry Discs
Using a large cutter or dish, cut circles from your puff pastry. These will be the base of your tartlets. Preheat the oven to 190°C (gas mark 5). Place each pastry disc between two trays lined with greaseproof paper to keep them from puffing up too much or unevenly, and bake for 12 minutes. Set these golden discs aside to cool.

2. Make the Caramel Magic!
Now for the fun part! Pour the sugar into a clean saucepan over medium heat, without any water—this will make a rich dry caramel. Watch as it melts and transforms into a dark amber colour (190-200°C). Once the sugar is melted and golden, add the butter, one cube at a time, and whisk until smooth and glossy. Pour the caramel onto a tray lined with parchment and let it cool until hard. Once set, break it into pieces, blend it into a fine powder, and pop it in the freezer until needed.

3. Prepare the Apples
Peel the apples and slice them into paper-thin strips using a mandoline (about 1-2mm thick). Everyone can join in here, whether peeling or stacking the slices! Line a deep baking tray (about 8 x 10 inches) with parchment paper, and dust the base with a generous layer of caramel powder.

4. Bake the Apples
Preheat the oven again to 190°C (gas mark 5). Arrange the apple slices neatly in the tray—this is a chance to create pretty patterns together! Bake for 40 minutes. Then, carefully place a large sheet of parchment over the apples, and use a dish or small tray to press down gently, releasing the delicious apple juices (save these for later!).

5. Final Apple Bake
Return the tray to the oven for 15 more minutes, letting the apples bake until fully tender and caramelised. Let them cool, then cut into portions the same size as the puff pastry discs.

6. Reduce the Apple Juice
Pour the reserved apple juice into a small pan, add 20g honey, and simmer until it reduces to a thick, syrupy glaze.

7. Assemble the Tart Tatin
Top each puff pastry disc with a caramelised apple slice, brush on the honey glaze, and pop back in the oven for a few minutes to bring everything together.

8. Serve and Enjoy!
These tarts are best enjoyed warm, with a generous dollop of Devonshire clotted cream (from Webbery Moo in Bideford if you’re local!). It’s the perfect dessert for sharing around the table.

Gather the family, serve up these caramelised creations, and enjoy the sweet taste of early autumn together. 😊 We Hope these apple tart tatins bring warmth and sweetness to your family’s table. Happy baking! 🍎🥮🍁